By
Carlos Santoscoy
Published:
August 27, 2010

In a new 30-second spot released by FRC
Action PAC, the political arm of the Family Research Council helmed
by Tony Perkins, the group goes after the senator for supporting
repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the 1993 law that bans gay
troops from serving openly.

In the ad, a male announcer says, “They
fought in trenches … stormed beaches … cut sweltering jungles …
marched over burning deserts. Our military has protected our soil
and skies. Today, they're drawn into a new battle. Harry Reid and
homosexual activists are attempting to advance their political agenda
by overturning 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Our military is for
protection, not politics. Stop Harry Reid on Election Day.”

FRC began running the ad Thursday on
Las Vegas cable TV.

Repeal of the law is already underway.
The House approved a bill that includes repeal language in May. And
a Senate committee has checked off on a similar measure.

As Senate Majority Leader, it is up to
Reid to decide on the timing of the vote.

Many Democratic lawmakers facing
difficult reelection fights are urging Reid to hold off until after
the midterm elections. But Reid has promised the Senate will vote on
repeal of the gay ban in September.

Gay rights activists are also
protesting Reid. The group GetEQUAL unfurled a giant banner that
read “REID NO ONE CAN DO MORE? GETEQUAL.ORG” on the Las Vegas
strip last month, blocking traffic for about 10 minutes before police
arrived. The activists say Reid is wobbly on the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill that would ban workplace
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
(transgender protections). ENDA stalled out in committee earlier
this year.

Reid's Republican rival, Sharron Angle,
is also speaking out on gay issues, upping the pressure on Reid to
move further right.

The 61-year-old Southern Baptist
recently made headlines when The Associated Press published a
four-page questionnaire filled out by Angle for the Washington-based
group Government is not God, which has endorsed Angle's candidacy.

Based on her responses, Angle would
oppose ENDA and gay adoption.

In a section titled politics,
she says she would refuse PAC money from those who are fundamentally
opposed to her views on social issues.

“In reference to question 35A, Intel
Corporation supports 'equal rights for gays' and offers benefits to
'partners' of homosexual employees. Would you refuse funds from this
corporate PAC?”

“Yes,” Angle checked.

Opponents of gay rights are hoping that
toppling Reid will stop ENDA and “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” from
reaching the Senate floor.

“It's time for Senator Reid to go and
be replaced by a senator who will respect and listen to our military
leaders. We will continue to take this message to the Nevada
airwaves and across the country. Our military is for protection, not
politics,” FRC's Perkins said.